You should be comfortable performing all notes, rhythms, articulation, and text.

Be musical — do more than what is printed in the music.

Give special attention to dynamics, tempo changes, phrasing, and other musical elements.

Begin rehearsals with your accompanist and/or ensemble(s).

Tape your performance to critique yourself, and invite others to provide comments. Use a critique form like the one found in the WSMA Handbook.

Perform for others as much as possible.

One Week Before the Festival

If necessary, copy pages to accommodate awkward page turns.

Inform your accompanist of your performance time and room.

Take good care of yourself and get plenty of rest.

Clean your instrument, and be sure it is in excellent working condition.

Write the introduction you will announce at your performance. Include your name, school, accompanist's name, the title and composer of the work, and a single interesting aspect of the piece to listen for (style, rhythm, form, technique, melody, etc.)

Arrange a "dress rehearsal" with friends so you can practice the sequence of tuning, your introduction, and your performance.

The Night Before the Festival

Review your schedule for the day.

Schedule time to listen to other students.

Be sure your music is ready for the judge and for you.

Write a Thank You card to your accompanist.

Decide on what you'll wear to the Festival. This is a special day, and you should plan to dress up. Avoid jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, hats, etc.

Conflicts will be resolved. Tell people about them, and they will be worked out.

Nervousness is normal. The best way to reduce nervousness is to be as prepared as possible.

Right Before You Perform

Give the judge their copy of the music, unless the room monitor offers to do this for you.

Prepare your instrument (wet reeds, empty spit valve, etc.)

Tune to the piano.

Smile and announce your name, school, your accompanist's name, the title and composer of the work, and a single interesting aspect of the piece to listen for (style, rhythm, form, technique, melody, etc.). Be mature.

Position yourself so the judge can easily see what you're doing.

Mentally prepare yourself.

This is your opportunity to show everyone what you can do. Let any mistakes go by, and enjoy making music!

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT!

When You've Finished. . .

Approach the judge, politely listen to comments, and thank the judge.

Most importantly. . .

No matter what rating you receive, if you have followed these guidelines, you will know you have done your best in preparing for Festival. You should be proud of what you have done. Remember to support your friends in their musical performances.

Tips for Auditions

Auditions vs. Festival Performance

Unlike a performance at a WSMA Music Festival, the outcome of an audition often involves additional recognition or placement in a music organization. Auditions are usually required for state and national Honors organizations, summer music camps, acceptance in a collegiate music performing ensemble or department, or chair placement. Proper preparation for an audition requires many of the same steps as preparing for a WSMA Music Festival with these additional guidelines:

Audition Performance Goals

A successful audition performance demonstrates accomplishment of technical skills and musical artistry which goes well beyond the dynamics on the printed page. The three simple steps to achieving this goal are:

Practice Slowly

Work on difficult passages using a metronome. Increase speed only when you have comfortably mastered all musical elements at slower tempos.

Practice Often

There is no substitute for practicing. Perform for others before your audition. Tape record your performances, and invite others to critique you.

Perform with Confidence

Your audition selections should be performed with emotion and confidence. Put yourself in the music, and practice communicating with your audience as you master the technical aspects of your music.

Sight-Reading

Most auditions require performers to sight-read. Practice sight-reading at least once per week. Read through unfamiliar pieces of music. Before you sight-read, check your music for the following musical elements using the STARS* acronym:

Memorize all required major, minor, chromatic, and/or modal scales. Be prepared to perform as many octaves as possible in even tempos using the correct articulation pattern, if any were provided in the audition requirements.

Vocal Auditions

Be sure you ask for proper coaching on language pronunciations, style, and phrasing. Always warm-up carefully before the audition.

Audition Timeline

At Least Three Months Before the Audition

Complete the audition application and turn it in by the deadline.

Get your own copy of the audition requirements.

Carefully review the audition requirements, and ask your teacher to clarify any questions you might have.

Obtain copies of all music for your audition.

Write down a realistic practice schedule. Remember your other commitments (co-curricular activities, sports, work, etc.) Get in the habit of practicing all of your audition requirements (scales, etude, solo, sight-reading, etc.) every day.

If needed, find an accompanist.

Schedule several lessons with your music teacher before the audition.

One Month Before Your Audition

Record your performances often, and evaluate your performance. Invite others to hear you perform, and use a critique form like the one found in the WSMA Handbook.